This drug may irritate or harm the vein. It may burn the skin if the drug leaks from the vein when it is given. Tell your nurse if you have any pain or burning when this drug is given.

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs. Taking them together can cause bad side effects. This is one of those drugs. Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Avoid

If you have an allergy to amsacrine or any other part of this drug.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

If you have bone marrow disease from chemo or radiation.

If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

If you are breast-feeding.

Precautions

Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.

Talk with your doctor before getting any vaccines. Use with this drug may either raise the chance of an infection or make the vaccine not work as well.

If you have kidney disease, talk with your doctor.

If you have liver disease, talk with your doctor.

If you have a weak heart, talk with your doctor.

Have your blood work checked. Talk with your doctor.

Check all drugs you are taking with your doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.

You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.

Talk with your doctor before using products that have aspirin, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, ibuprofen or like products, pain drugs, or vitamin E.

Use birth control that you can trust to stop pregnancy while taking this drug.

If you are a man and have sex, protect your partner from pregnancy. Use birth control that you can trust.

Side Effects

Chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.

Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.5°F (38°C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.

A fast heartbeat.

Trouble breathing.

Cough that does not go away.

Very upset stomach or throwing up.

Very loose stools (diarrhea).

Any bruising or bleeding.

Signs of low potassium.

Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.

Feeling very tired or weak.

Any rash.

Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

General Statements

If you have a very bad allergy, wear an allergy ID at all times.

Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.

Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.

Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.

Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.

Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.